Equatorial plate of metaphase refers to

Options

A. A fluid plate
B. Cell plate
C. Chromosomes arranged as plate
D. Phragmoplast

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Equatorial Plate**: The equatorial plate refers to a specific region in the cell during metaphase of cell division. It is the area where chromosomes align in preparation for separation.

2. **Alignment of Chromosomes**: During metaphase, chromosomes are arranged along the equatorial plane of the cell. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that each daughter cell receives an equal and identical set of chromosomes.

3. **Role of Spindle Fibers**: Spindle fibers, which are structures that emerge from the poles of the cell, attach to the chromosomes at their centromeres. These fibers help to pull the chromosomes apart during the next phase of cell division.

4. **Metaphase Plate**: The equatorial plate is also known as the metaphase plate. This term emphasizes the alignment of chromosomes at the center of the cell during metaphase.

5. **Eliminating Incorrect Options**:
- "Fluid plate" is not a term used in this context and does not describe the arrangement of chromosomes.
- "Cell plate" refers to a structure formed during cytokinesis in plant cells, not during metaphase.
- "Thragmoplast" is also related to plant cell division and is not relevant to the metaphase stage.

6. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is that the equatorial plate of metaphase refers to the arrangement of chromosomes as a plate at the equator of the cell.

### Final Answer:
The equatorial plate of metaphase refers to the arrangement of chromosomes aligned as a plate at the equator of the cell.

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